This book researches which motives and functions were connected with the rise, growth and decline of the country living culture on Walcheren during the period of 1600-1820, and in what ways they both determine the manner in which these country houses were shaped. I have chosen the island of Walcheren as a study case, because the main cities of the province of Zeeland were on the island, and because the island knew a sizeable and characteristic country living culture throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth century. Furthermore, a rich body of sources abounds, both in archives as well as in drawings.
I distinguish between pleasure and profit, standing and power. Over a longer period, entertainment and standing turn out to be constant motives, but county houses were also part of the economic system and could be the visualization of power for those with manorial titles.
I point these developments out by distinguishing between three zones around the cities: along the town moats, the urban fringe-belt zone of around 2 to 2.5 miles around the city, and the countryside further out. Thus, I determine the motives and functions connected to Walcheren’s country living culture for each of these zones separately and show the differences between them.
I point these developments out by distinguishing between three different zones around the cities: along the town moats, the urban fringe-belt zone of around 2 to 2.5 miles around the city, and the countryside further out. Thus, I determine the motives and functions connected to Walcheren’s country living culture for each of these zones separately and show the differences between them.
This country living culture is closely connected to the regional context. Still, the rich and varied character of the country living culture in the whole Dutch Republic clearly shows.